Environment & Ecology MCQs

The Supreme Court's intervention in 2026 focused on the critical issue of bird mortality due to collisions with overhead power lines. The court directed the installation of bird diverters and undergrounding of power lines in priority areas to protect the Great Indian Bustard.

Captive breeding programs, such as those initiated at the Desert National Park in Rajasthan, are crucial for increasing the GIB population. These programs aim to breed bustards in controlled environments and eventually reintroduce them into the wild.

Habitat loss and fragmentation, primarily due to the expansion of agriculture, industrial development, and infrastructure projects like power lines, are the most significant threats to the Great Indian Bustard. These activities reduce their feeding grounds and breeding sites.

The expansion of the GCP in 2026 has incorporated sustainable agriculture practices as a key area for generating green credits, alongside existing sectors like water conservation and afforestation. This move aims to promote eco-friendly farming.

The GCP aims to create a market where individuals, industries, and local bodies can generate and trade 'green credits' by undertaking environmentally positive activities. This market-based approach encourages voluntary environmental action.

The initial framework of the Green Credit Programme focuses on nature-based solutions and community participation. While industrial processes can contribute to carbon sequestration, the GCP's direct incentives are geared towards actions like water conservation, waste management, afforestation, and air pollution reduction.

NTPC Limited, India's largest power utility, is a key player in promoting green hydrogen and has been involved in the deployment of these buses.

The initiative aligns with India's commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070 and reducing its carbon footprint.

India's first green hydrogen-powered buses were launched in Delhi in February 2024, marking a significant step towards sustainable transportation.

While all listed species are important and endangered, the Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) is found only in India (Gir Forest) and is considered critically endangered, making it a high priority for focused monitoring. The Bengal Tiger and Snow Leopard also have dedicated monitoring programs, but the Asiatic Lion's unique and restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable.